CVE-2020-29166 in PacsOne Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2021
PacsOne Server (PACS Server In One Box) below 7.1.1 is affected by file read/manipulation, which can result in remote information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-29166 affects the PacsOne Server software version 7.1.1 and below, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized remote access to sensitive data through file read and manipulation capabilities. This issue specifically targets the PACS Server In One Box implementation, which is commonly used in healthcare environments for storing, managing, and transmitting medical imaging data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the server's file handling subsystem, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely. The affected software operates as a medical imaging archive system that processes and stores DICOM files, which contain sensitive patient information and medical images, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for healthcare organizations.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation of file paths and access permissions within the PacsOne Server implementation, allowing attackers to manipulate file read operations and potentially access files outside the intended directory structure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected, including configuration files, log data, and potentially medical records. The remote exploitation capability means that an attacker does not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted requests to the server that manipulate file access parameters, bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to comprehensive data breaches within healthcare environments that are subject to strict regulatory compliance requirements. Organizations using affected PacsOne Server versions face significant risks including patient privacy violations, regulatory penalties under HIPAA and similar healthcare data protection laws, and potential criminal liability for data breaches. The vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to entire medical imaging archives, potentially exposing thousands of patient records simultaneously. Healthcare institutions may experience operational disruptions as they respond to breach notifications, conduct forensic investigations, and implement additional security measures. The remote nature of the exploitation means that organizations cannot rely on traditional network segmentation or firewall rules to prevent access, as the vulnerability exists within the application layer itself rather than at network boundaries. This creates a particularly challenging scenario for security teams who must balance immediate remediation needs with ongoing operational requirements.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to PacsOne Server version 7.1.1 or later to address this vulnerability, as this represents the official patch release provided by the vendor to resolve the file read manipulation issues. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software within their network infrastructure and implement additional monitoring for unusual file access patterns or unauthorized system queries. Network segmentation strategies should be enhanced to limit access to medical imaging systems, and access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication and principle of least privilege implementations. Regular security audits should be conducted to verify that the patched systems maintain proper file access controls and that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the upgrade does not disrupt existing medical imaging workflows or system functionality, while also validating that the security controls are properly implemented and functioning as intended. Additionally, organizations should implement continuous monitoring solutions specifically designed to detect anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities in their medical imaging infrastructure.